A man has been jailed for a series of non-recent indecent assaults

A former Sea Cadet leader has been jailed for a series of non-recent assaults.

Michael John Dickson, 44 (22.01.73) from Orpington Kent appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Tuesday, 12 September and was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for a series of indecent assaults. He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order [SHPO].

Dickson had pleaded guilty at the same court on Monday, 07 August to five counts of indecent assault. Three additional counts of indecent assault will lie on file.

The court heard how Dickson had carried out the assaults from 1992 to 2003 while working as a Sea Cadet leader in Orpington, Kent.

The victim was first abused when he was aged 13 and the abuse continued into his adult life. The victim told police about the abuse in December 2014 and an investigation was launched immediately.

When Michael Dickson was arrested on 25, February 2015 he denied abusing the victim. He was charged on 13 June 2017.

Dickson was suspended form the Sea Cadets on the day of his arrest and has since been dismissed from the service.

Detective Constable Mark Tarrant of the Met's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: "I would like to acknowledge the courage of the victim in coming forward. He is now aged in his 30's and has coped for many years with a great deal of psychological stress due to the abuse that he suffered.

“Dickson abused his position of trust and groomed a vulnerable boy in order to abuse him. Anyone who has been affected by non-recent sexual offences can be assured that all allegations are fully investigated and every effort will be made to bring offenders to justice."